1. Finding Authenticity And Purpose Along The Appalachian Trail With Ryan Benz The Great Detour podcast

1. Finding Authenticity and Purpose along the Appalachian Trail with Ryan Benz

3M ago 42:22

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In this first episode of The Great Detour™ podcast, host Jess Prudhomme welcomes Ryan Benz, an authenticity strategist, speaker, and best-selling author of Wander: A Memoir of Letting Go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life. Ryan’s incredible journey of leaving the corporate grind to hike the Appalachian Trail is a testament to the power of stepping away from convention and embracing the unknown.

Ryan shares the pivotal moments that led him to leave behind a "successful" life for one filled with purpose and meaning. Along the way, he learned transformative lessons about mindfulness, embracing uncertainty, and hiking his own hike—both on and off the trail.

In this episode Jess and Ryan discuss:

How stepping off the beaten path can lead you to a life of alignment and purpose.
The role of mindfulness and stillness in navigating life’s challenges.
Why “hike your own hike” is more than a trail motto—it’s a mantra for authentic living.
How to let go of societal expectations and focus on your unique journey.
Practical strategies for slowing down, tuning into your intuition, and taking the next step—even when the destination feels out of reach.

About Ryan Benz:
Ryan Benz is a bestselling author, speaker, and authenticity strategist dedicated to helping individuals and teams explore the power of authenticity to inspire growth, build resilience, and lead with purpose.
After over a decade as a successful brand strategist, Ryan found himself at a crossroads, unfulfilled despite external success. He made a bold decision to leave his career behind and embark on a transformative 2,000-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail. This life-changing adventure became the foundation for his memoir, Wander: A Memoir of Letting go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life, and inspired his mission to help others reconnect with their values, align with their authentic selves, and walk their own path with intention.
Through keynotes, workshops, and one-on-one guidance, Ryan empowers individuals and teams to embrace authenticity and uncover their potential in both life and work.
To learn more about Ryan Benz and Wander:

Website: www.RyanBenz.com
Instagram: @aroundthebenzadventures

Learn more about The Great Detour™
Website: www.thegreatdetour.com
Instagram: @thegreatdetour

Chapters

1. 1. Finding Authenticity and Purpose along the Appalachian Trail with Ryan Benz (00:00:00)

2. Introducing Ryan Benz: A Journey of Authenticity (00:00:52)

3. Ryan's Life Before the Appalachian Trail (00:03:24)

4. The First Steps on the Appalachian Trail (00:06:32)

5. Lessons from the Trail: Mindfulness and Presence (00:10:07)

6. Hike Your Own Hike: Embracing Authenticity (00:14:21)

7. Mindfulness Practice in Daily Life (00:20:25)

8. The Challenge of Being Present (00:22:10)

9. Mindfulness in the Age of Social Media (00:22:47)

10. Practical Strategies for Mindfulness (00:23:36)

11. Embracing Discomfort and Acceptance (00:26:32)

12. Life After the Trail (00:31:45)

13. Finding Authenticity and Purpose (00:38:21)

14. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (00:40:44)

15 episodes